National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will stay in his role despite receiving a court summons linked to the R360 million SAPS health services tender. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed the development on Wednesday and stressed that Masemola faces no corruption charges.

Cachalia met Masemola the same day and plans to brief President Cyril Ramaphosa on the next steps. The summons relates to procurement decisions under the Public Finance Management Act, while at least 12 other SAPS officers and the tender beneficiary face separate corruption allegations.

Cachalia Confirms Masemola Not Suspended

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told eNCA that General Fannie Masemola remains the National Commissioner. He has not been suspended and will continue in the position while the legal process unfolds.

Cachalia said he met Masemola on Wednesday to discuss immediate steps.

“General Masemola is still the National Commissioner,”

he stated.

The minister will now meet President Ramaphosa to chart a way forward, including the possible formation of an advisory panel.

Cachalia drew a clear line between the charges. He explained that Masemola faces counts under Section 38 of the PFMA, which deals with the duties of an accounting officer in procurement. “The others have been charged, as far as I understand it, with corruption. General Masemola has not been charged with corruption,” Cachalia added.

Background on the R360 Million SAPS Health Tender

The tender for health services in the Tshwane District was awarded in June 2024 to Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Concerns surfaced just three months later.

On Wednesday, at least 12 SAPS officers appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering connected to the same contract. They received bail ranging from R40 000 to R80 000. Masemola’s summons forms part of this wider investigation. He is due to appear in court on 21 April 2026.

Reactions from Officials and Political Parties

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the summons was served on Wednesday. She said Masemola

“has taken note of the charges brought against him and he has pledged his full cooperation with all lawful processes.”

Mathe added that the commissioner

“welcomes any investigation or due process that seeks to address allegations of wrongdoing.”

The Presidency stated that President Ramaphosa will handle the matter according to legal processes. “The president, in collaboration with the minister of police, remains committed to ensuring that the SAPS stays stable and continues to effectively carry out its policing mandate,” the statement read.

The Democratic Alliance called for Masemola’s precautionary suspension, similar to the action taken against Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The party said the move would protect the integrity of the police service while the case proceeds.